*By Mike Teich*
A sweeping data privacy bill has been approved in California, but it may be too late for internet users to protect their information, said former National Counterterrorism Center officer Dave White.
"You have to consider yourself compromised," he said. "You’ve already given your data away."
Experts are calling it the nation's most far-reaching law to give consumers more control over their personal data. Under the law, customers can request what personal data companies have collected and what third parties have received it.
The passing of the historical bill didn't come without criticism. The ACLU of Northern California said the legislation falls "woefully short" in defending individuals' rights.
"It's a great first step," White said. However, “it doesn’t go far enough."
Companies that collect user data, from Amazon to Microsoft to Uber, lobbied aggressively against the law, pouring millions into a [opposition campaigns](https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/15/17468292/amazon-microsoft-uber-california-consumer-privacy-act).
But consumer advocates called it a milestone victory. "Today was a [huge win](http://money.cnn.com/2018/06/28/technology/california-consumer-privacy-act/index.html) and gives consumer privacy advocates a blueprint for success," James P. Steyer, CEO and founder of Common Sense Media. "We look forward to working together with lawmakers across the nation to ensure robust data privacy protections for all Americans."
For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/california-passes-historic-privacy-bill).
Walmart said Thursday it may join Microsoft to buy the U.S. business of TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned video app that has come under fire from the Trump administration.
Gamelancer launches a new platform to help gamers connect with other user and monetize their time online. CEO Razvan Romanescu and COO Darren Lopes talk players' ability to connect with users whether they want to simply make friends or get their gaming skills up.
TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer has resigned amid U.S. pressure for its Chinese owner to sell the popular video app, which the White House says is a security risk.
Bingie is making it easier to discover new shows and share recommendations with friends and family. Joe Lane, CEO, joined Cheddar to discuss the launch of the app.
Desktop Metal, 3D printing company, is set to go public. Ric Fulop, CEO, joined Cheddar to discuss the company's success in various industries.
Climate investing platform Raise Green on Tuesday announced a new initiative to provide upstart solar projects with the knowledge, know-how, and intellectual property to hit the ground running. Called the Originator Engine, the software was developed in partnership with IBM to aggregate and "templatize" thousands of documents and contracts necessary to do business.
Circle-K convenience stores are in for a makeover following a new partnership with Standard Cognition to make the customer experience easier with cashierless checkout.
Video app TikTok is waging a legal fight against the Trump Administration’s efforts to ban the popular, Chinese-owned service over national-security concerns.
From Wall Street to Silicon Valley, these are the top stories that moved markets and had investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs talking this week on Cheddar.
An appeals court has allowed ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft to continue treating their drivers as independent contractors in California while an appeal works its way through the court.
